What Features Do I Need in a Twin Stroller?

Hey gang, listen up! We’ve got a great article on the features you’ll need to look for in a double stroller for twins, plus a fantastic giveaway from Contours. One lucky family will take home a Contours Options Elite tandem stroller for their twinnies! OMG!!!

THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED

The Contours Options Elite tandem stroller is a Twiniversity favorite! It’s packed with family-friendly features for your twinnies. Besides being one of the only true twin strollers that can accommodate two infant car seats, the Options Elite offers multiple seat configurations so your twinnies never get bored. With an ample basket and plenty of sun shade, this is a top twin stroller. Check out Nat’s video review below!

What Features Do I Need in a Twin Stroller?

There are so many double strollers out there on the market today, all competing for the twin market. But not all double strollers are good for twins. We’ve broken down the best features that you should be looking for in a twin stroller to make sure you don’t have buyer’s remorse!

1. A solid frame. Look for a twin stroller that has a sturdy, solid frame that was meant to safely hold two children for the length of its use. Many single strollers can convert into a double stroller by adding a second seat, but these strollers were made for two children of different ages and are not ideal for two children of the same age, height, and weight. These strollers typically have a lower weight limit for one of the seats because it’s really been made for a baby + toddler.

2. A large basket. Your stroller that’s meant for two kids should have room to fit STUFF for two kids! That’s another problem with single strollers that convert to doubles — the basket is meant to hold stuff for just one child. You’ll also want to make sure there is easy access to the basket from different spots around the stroller so it’s easier to get items out.

3. A handlebar that reaches all the way across. You’re going to need that full handlebar to maneuver your twin stroller with one hand at times. Strollers with two handles are typically more difficult to steer.

4. Independent reclining seats. You definitely need to be able to have each seat at a different recline. What if one baby is wide awake and wants to look around, but the other is sound asleep and could use a bit of recline? You’ll also want to find seats that recline as far back as possible to allow for good stroller naps!

5. 5-point harnesses.Yes, some strollers only come with 3-point harnesses (only across the lap) but you absolutely need a 5-point harness (which also holds them back at the shoulders) to make sure your babies don’t fall forward out of the stroller when you have to make a sudden stop.

Contours Options

6. Canopies that extend far down. When you’re walking towards the sun this is going to make a HUGE difference! The canopies should also work independently (not stuck in the same position together).

7. Peek-a-boo windows that are ventilated. These are on the back of each stroller seat so you can see what the kiddies are up to without having to peek into the front of the stroller. Ideally, these are mesh to allow for extra air flow, with a flap so you can keep it covered when it’s too cold or windy.

8. It’s easy to fold and lift up. If you’re having a hard time getting it to fold after a few tries, take it back. If it’s too heavy for you to lift into your car’s trunk, take it back. These things will only cause you more annoyance as time passes.

9. It fits in your trunk. You should not have to wrestle with your stroller to get it to fit in your trunk. Bonus points if you don’t have to take one of the seats off to fold it. Be aware that some strollers will fit better once you remove the tires, which typically can be popped back on in a snap.

10. It fits in your house. Measure all of your doorways and hallways to make sure that the stroller will fit inside your home, ideally without having to fold it up first. When you’re coming home from a long walk with your infant twins and it suddenly starts to rain, you’ll thank me!

Julie Burt Nichols is Twiniversity’s “Wizard Behind the Curtain”, serving as Editor-in-Chief of Twiniversity.com, Account Manager, and Instructor for Chicago Twiniversity classes. Julie is a full-time working mother to twin boys, born on Halloween. She loves serving as a resource and support for new parents, soon-to-be parents, and we-want-desperately-to-be parents. Julie is proud to be a certified child passenger safety technician and the Twiniversity Resident Songstress/Jingle Writer.

Affiliate Disclosure

Some Twiniversity posts contain affiliate links. If you click on an affiliate link and decide to buy a product, Twiniversity gets a percentage of the sale, at no cost to you. This allows us to keep Twiniversity.com free for our community. Thank you for supporting us!